Rheumatoid arthritis - bilateral 5th metatarsophalangeal joint erosions
Diagnosis certain
Presentation
Long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Lateral forefoot pain and swelling.
Patient Data
Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
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Info
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Joint space narrowing and marginal erosions at both fifth metatarsophalangeal joints.
Case Discussion
Despite the increased sensitivity of other modalities (particularly MRI), radiography remains the mainstay of imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of RA. It's possible to see in this case:
- joint space narrowing: symmetrical or concentric
- marginal erosions: due to erosion by pannus of the bony “bare areas”
Similar to the hands, there is a predilection for the PIP and MTP joints.